The new software will introduce an entirely new vertical scrolling interface to the console, making it quicker and easier to jump into your games and apps, while also making it possible to run Windows 10apps on the console.

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However much of the excitement about the update has so-far focused on the introduction of backwards compatibility, via a software emulator. Both downloads and disc-based games will work, though at first that collection will be limited to a relatively small number of big-name games.

Classics like Mirror's Edge, Assassin's Creed II, the Gears of War series and Fallout 3 will be included at launch, but in the list of the first 104 titles there are also a large number of very old games -- including the Sonic the Hedgehog series (yes, the Mega Drive originals), Doom and Doom II, and Wolfenstein 3D.

Microsoft

The new Xbox One interface will be released on 12 November. All Games with Gold Xbox 360 games will be compatible on Xbox One from now on, while further titles will be added to the programme over the coming months, Microsoft said. "Our launch of 104 titles on Nov. 12 is just the beginning. You can expect new Xbox One Backward Compatible games to be announced on a regular basis, starting in December. More titles are on the way, including fan favourites like Halo Reach, Halo Wars, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Bioshock, Bioshock 2, Bioshock Infinite, and Skate 3. Stay tuned because this is just the beginning of a long list of Xbox 360 games that will run on Xbox One," said Mike Ybarra, director of program management for Xbox, in a statement.